Back here, I told you that I was looking to replace my family's bottles, sippies and drinking containers with safe BPA-free alternatives. This week I tried out some BPA-free bottles from Camelbak. You may be most familiar with Camelbak from their line of hydration packs or "backpacks with a straw" as I like to call them, but Camelbak also makes an expanding line of water bottles perfect for all sorts of activities. Their first BPA-free option is the Better Bottle. Available in 0.5L, 0.75L and 1L sizes and a myriad of color options, the Better Bottle includes a unique Flip, Bite-n-Sip lid that works jut like it sounds - you flip it up, bite it and then suck. Voila! Thirst quenched. The bottle also contains an integrated handle which makes the bottle easy to tote around with one finger or clip onto your bag, belt, or stroller. And with colors such as chocolate brown, fire orange and forest pine, your fashion sense can be quenched right along with your thirst.
The Flip, Bite-n-Sip lid did take a little getting used to though my husband was a fan of the design and my two-year old got a kick out of drinking out of it. I liked that the bottle had no spills or leaks, kept the water tasting like water and had a size and weight that made it convenient to tote around. I do worry a bit about keeping the interior of the Bite-n-Sip lid sanitary. One trip to the beach with a sandy-mouthed toddler and it's hard to know if I was really able to get the lid totally clean. Still a great option if you want to be a bit more rough and tumble with your water bottle - and the unique Bite-n-Sip lid just might get your heat-loving toddler to suck down a bit more water this summer.
Still if you're not a fan of the Bite-n-Sip lid, Camelbak also produces the Better Bottle with Classic Screw-on Cap. All the same rugged features and leak-proof design without the fancy sip top. Check out both products in all their sizes and colors at REI.
Lately, I feel really helpless when it comes to my 19-month-old and his skin problems. The poor child has the worst kind of eczema. The heat and the current season seem to only make it worse. He has patches on his legs, back of his knees and all over his arms. I know it drives him nuts too as he's constantly itching.
Every day we're trying to do a number of things to make it better. One of many changes we've made is keeping the door to his room closed, putting an air purifier in his room and keeping it running 24 hours a day. We're using the Therapure 201M.
It has a thin, sleek design - I have it behind the rocker in his room and you wouldn't notice it at all if you weren't looking, or noticed the white noise. It runs all day with a filter that removes smoke, dust and pollen from the airt in his room. It also comes with a UV Lamp that apparently kills airborne germs and bacteria.
I mentioned the white noise - it makes a quiet sound as the fan runs, I actually think it helps him sleep better as it's a relaxing hum.
It's energy efficient and you don't have to buy replacement filters (you just open it up and vacuum off the one installed).
It's $119.99 for our model - which is for medium to large rooms. The smaller version retails for $79.99 and the larger for $149.95.
I'll be honest - I don't know if it's "working" as I intend it to. I don't know if I could ever review a product like this and profess that it was completely working. His eczema is still there. But I do know this - it doesn't *hurt* to run it and I like to think that every little bit helps. And I'll be happy to turn the UV light on come the winter when the germs are in full force. If it keeps him from getting just one nasty bug, then it's worth it to me.
Sword in the Stone - 45th Anniversary Edition, out this week - buy it for $19.99 or buy it with the Jungle Book 2 for a discount.
Definitely, Maybe - okay so not a kid movie but it looked cute so I thought I'd mention. Also think Abigail Breslin is adorable and talented so it caught my eye. It came out in June and it's $19.99 on Amazon.
Wondering what your momoscope looks like today? A few months ago I reviewed Astrocutie & Dabney Oliver’s fabulous astrological charting services. I just cannot wait to get my new baby's chart done! In the meanwhile I can now get a taste of her brilliance every day , for free, with her new online horoscope column. Just go to the Parents.com site and fill out a form at the bottom, and your mom-centric horoscope will be delivered to your doorstep.
There are a lot of horoscope columns out there but not many like this one, geared specifically to moms and kids!
I am so excited to share a new option for carrying your kids around! We are all so lucky to have so many carrier options these days. From pouch slings to mei tais and ring slings, it’s the age of baby carrying. It’s fabulous. Until Jr. starts packing on the lbs.
Unfortunately, as your baby gets bigger and heavier, not many carriers remain as comfortable as they were with a newborn. They may be fine for short term use but if you’ve got to carry your child for longer than a quick dash into the market, you are going to feel it!
This is why I love Scootababy carriers. Made to be worn to the side, they take advantage of your hip, and the way you are naturally carrying your older baby/child. One strap goes over your shoulder and another around your hips, spreading the weight evenly and making it ever so much more comfortable to carry that kid, even for long periods.
What is different about this carrier than other hip carriers I have tried is that it is that unlike many "works in 12 ways" carriers, this one is designed and engineered to be worn in this one way only. And it shows, because it is far and above the most comfortable carrier and the most comfortable way to carry a larger child. The straps are soft and wide and cushiony. They do their job of distributing your child’s weight perfectly – no binding or pinching.
Scootababy carriers are available in a range of fabrics and are suitable for both moms and dads. Purchase your carrier at the Scootababy Website,
My daughter would wear tutu’s everyday if she could! She loves twirling around and around in them like a ballerina until she gets dizzy and falls down laughing away. So, when I came across Tu For Tee, she was in heaven!
Tu for Tee carries the most adorable tops that have a small trim of tulle sewn around the bottom. These awesome handmade tops come in an array of colors and appliqué choices. From the simply delicious cupcakes and ice cream to the precious animals, hearts and sassy skulls, you are sure to find one your little ballerina will love wearing! They look great with leggings, jeans, tights or skirts, but can be worn with any combination your daughter comes up with! The tees are available in Tanks, Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve so your daughter can even have one for each season! The sizes start at 6-12 months and go up to a size 10. Great for imaginative play or just tulle-ing around town.
Use code STYLE15 to save 15% off of your purchase.
Another necessity for summer trippin': Brain Quest
For the 7-12 crew, Brain Quest added Brain Quest Reading for the Car to their roster this summer. Equipped with questions regarding everything America from the Grand Canyon to Benjamin Franklin, state birds to 50s bop, take this popular car-question and answer set with you on your next road trip. The whole family’s bound to learn and share something new after discussing all 1100 questions and answers.
Buy Brain Quest Reading for the Car (or another from the Brain Quest collection) from Barnes & Noble for $10.95 (and if you're a BN member, you'll get it for $1.10 less). Eligible for Free & Fast shipping when you spend $25.
Are you special? (All mommies stand up in your chairs and shout "yes!") Do you know someone else who is? (Our kids, right?) Maybe you know someone who doesn't even know how special they are and you'd love to show them (like teachers and grandmas).
Or possibly you have a little diva in your house, like I do, who knows exactly how special she is and loves having cute stuff with her name all over it. For everyone like that, and everyone else too, creative talent extrodanaire, EmTanner, has created the most adorable, funky and fresh designs.
She encourages you to open the box on your own creativity to personalize a variety of great products. There are personalized plates, super fun lunchboxes, fabulously functional family calendars and especially her signature Funky Tees.
Check out EmTanner Designs and see what funky fresh ideas you have to make you, or your lucky gift recipient, feel extra special.
Mommies with Style readers enjoy a generous 20% discount when you use the "MWS20" coupon code.
By the way, fans of the TV show 'Jon & Kate Plus Eight' on TLC, who have often wondered, "That's so cute. Where can I get that?" you may now consider yourselves "in the know"!
Love Me Baby Me, has long been one of my favorite childrens toiletry lines, and now it is organic too. Their gentle products contain no parabens or other harsh preservatives, and are free from propylene glycol, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances or petroleum-based ingredients.
I've been using Love Me Baby Me products for a little over a year now and they never disappoint. Their formulas are uniquely luxurious - thick and rich and long lasting. They have a distinctively clean smell, a naturally derived honey/vanilla/almond scent that smells so yummy on my kids.
One of the reasons I love this brand is that a very small amount of product goes a very long way. Their shampoo, creams, and hair putty are all highly concentrated, unlike many organic lines that seem to have watery products. This means that despite the product seeming a little on the expensive end, you get good value for your money in the long run. A single bottle of Love Me Baby Me shampoo or cream can easily outlast two or three same sized bottles of other products I have tried. Even the travel sized bottles lasted longer for me than full sized bottles of any other products we have tried. As a bonus, I never have to worry about running out of product for my kids when we travel. All of the products perform admirably, leaving my kids sensitive skin and hair soft, smooth and rash free.
Moms of little girls should take note too, that Love Me Baby Me bubbly wash is one of the only bubble bath soaps on the market that is safe to use with little girls and does not put them at risk of UTI, because it does not contain harsh foaming ingredients. So get yourself some and treat your girls to a safe bubble bath!
MD Moms Babysilk Wipes are my latest obsession. I can’t get over how fabulously yummy and fresh they smell. And how gentle they are. Even though they are supposed to be for my baby, I have been stealing them for myself. I’ve been using them as an eye make up remover and have been chilling some of them in the fridge to use on my own and my kids faces for super hot days. I never thought I would get so excited about a baby wipe, but these are so soft and wonderful, I just cannot contain myself!
Really if you have not tried them yet, I highly recommend the MD Moms Babysilk Wipes for summer, even if you hoard them for yourself like I am tempted to do. They instantly take away the icky sticky not so freshies on a hot day and renew your optimism. And that’s a tall order for a humble wipe.
Use coupon code SUMMER for 20% off your entire order of $50 or more, or 30% off if you spend $75 or more at Disney Shopping. Offer expires 11:59 pm PT, June 26, 2008.
What's not to love with this giveaway? The Learning Curve is giving two lucky Mommies with Style readers each a True Fit Convertible Car Seat and a Learning Curve Car Shade. The retail value of each prize is $205.
And, new to this giveaway, we'll have runner-ups! 6 runner-ups will also receive the Learning Curve Car Shade.
To enter the contest, subscribe to the Mommies with Style weekly newsletter (you'll get more coupon codes and discounts in your inbox!) Subscribe before the end of the day Wednesday, July 2nd. Two grand prize winners and 6 runner-ups will be notified after that date.
Whether by car, train, plane, boat, or even heading to a picnic, a parent of a tween is bound to hear a drone of “how much longer??? There's nothing to dooooo...” And after going through all the GORP, all the water bottles, all the chips, pretzels, 2 movies and an ipod full of travel sounds, you’re bound to need something new for the adventure. Before your next vacation, check out Yamodo! Good to Go!
Yamodo! A favorite for cars, planes and train, Yamodo is created for children 8 and up. Each page in this handbag sized (ie bigger than a pocket, smaller than a diaper bag necessary) has an imaginary word (like doopaloops). Under the word, doodlers illustrate, then define the word. On my page doodleloops showed a loopy-rollercoaster with spiral oops areas, defined as “a rollercoaster with the possibility of going terribly wrong.” Meanwhile, an 8 year old tester defined a fertz as a cuddly, furry monster with 4 eyes (one in the back) and really big arms for hugging.” Her picture showed what looked to be a quad-eyed stuffed animal with super huge arms encompassing her self portrait. Bring along Yamodo! for hours of creative fun.
Teach My Toddler-- A Basic Skills Learning System that delivers!
Created by a mom to teach her own child, Teach My Toddler is a complete basic skills learning system ($39.99 plus tax and shipping). It comes in its own neat little pack with five foam puzzes, 4 sets of laminated flashcards, 4 poster-size teaching charts, 4 board books, and a parent teaching guide. As an educator myself, I was very impressed how creater Christy Cook put this together. Click here to see a video demo.
Skills this kit supports are the alphabet, numbers, shapes and colors. You can use this for 20 minutes a day to build pre-reading skills. My son is now 33 months and much older than the recommended start age of 18 months for the kit, but we found we could use this kit to build on what he knows. An example of this is -- since he knows his basic colors and shapes, we used this kit to teach him the color grey. Of course he had seen the color, but we never really called attention to it.
My son has terrific letter and number recognition, so we used the kit to teach the sequence of the alphabet and numbers. This is something I had been doing orally with him, but it was much more effective when my son could see it visually. My husband and I was thrilled to see a lower case alphabet puzzle, along with an upper case one (we own many an alphabet puzzle, but it's usually upper or lowercase, seeing both cases was great). . We loved the posters so much that they will be going up on our wall for my son to reference with us and it hellps that the graphics look cute too. We found that the flash cards, while a wonderful idea, was something my toddler wasn't ready for yet -- but they will be perfect to tackle in the upcoming months. As a teacher myself, I would start teaching with the books, then the puzzles, then the posters, then the flash cards. Don't be afraid to use the kit with your own child, the teaching guide that Cook wrote is ideal for guidance and quick reference. She also gives plenty of activities to build on the kit. Cook is developing more kits to teach past the toddler stage -- I can't wait to see what they look like!
Shop Teach My Toddler.
Flat rate shipping - $5 for Canada, $10 for any mainland US state (excludes Alaska and Hawaii).
In the last three and a half years since I had my first son, things have changed. Way back then, we didn't have so many options for babywearing and few people had heard of or used nursing cover ups. I was practically a cave woman with my blanket tossed over my shoulder as a makeshift cover up and my shoulders hunched from the constant slingless carrying of my poor elder son.
It's all different now and not a day goes by where my three month old is not "slung". With three older siblings he is a baby on the go: eating and sleeping on the run. Peanut Shell pouch slings and cover ups have made this so much easier and more fashionable for both of us that I cannot praise them enough.
I have the reversible sling in thereversible Royalty pattern (of course). It's super comfy to wear my baby in, with the nice deep pouch. He always feels secure in there and unlike some other pouch slings I have tried out, I feel secure with him in there as well, the extra depth gives the pouch a nice sit, I never feel like he is about to fall out.
Because it's always fun to coordinate, I have the nursing cover up in Royalty as well. I just love the heck out of that thing. With my other kids school schedules taking me here there and everywhere all day long, I am constantly breastfeeding in public. And while I would not especially want to expose myself anywhere, I really would not want to expose myself at my 11.5 yr old's end of the year school party. Can you imagine my daughter's trauma? If anyone is a bigger fan of the Peanut Shell nursing cover up, than me, it's my tweeny and modest daughter.
We've gotten such constant use out of the sling and coverup that my three month old son actually recognizes the distinctive Royalty print at this point. He sees the black and white pattern and immediately laughs with joy, knowing that a meal or a snuggle is close by. A full tummy and a snuggle, that's some pure happiness! And with my Peanut shell accessories, it's a happier experience for all. If you are looking for well respected and high quality pouch sling and matching nursing cover up, check out Peanut Shell today!
Scholastic presents family entertainment: Books on DVD
My kids, like most of yours, love books. Love reading. Love stories. They amaze me with the connections they make to the real world, and how the stories truly come to life in their minds.
So when we previewed Diary of a Spider and More Cute Critter Stories, an installment of Scholastic’s Storybook Treasures ™ on DVD, the kids were instantly swept into Spider’s web of adventures. Both my 2 and 4 year old loved the story, and both made an instant connection between the video and Spider’s buddy, Worm, of Diary of a Worm fame.
Adapted from the best selling picture book by Doreen Cronin, Diaper of a Spider follows the premiss of the title story, available at bookstores, but brings Spider and his adventures to life. Just like in the story, kids thrill in learning life from the perspective of a spider.
Following the title video are 4 additional stories: 3 read-alongs and one bonus tale, all about critters that kids love.
Another entertaining DVD, due out today, Scholastic Storybook Treasures has brought Beverly Cleary’s beloved Ralph S. Mouse to life in The Mouse and the Motorcycle. This endearing DVD is the perfect mix of adventure in just an hour. With a Read-Along option, kids love to follow Ralph on his adventures—in just the way we imagined it as children. Watching this film was a true journey down memory lane—and I’m thrilled that I’m now sharing some of my favorite characters with my kids.
Following The Mouse and the Motorcycle is a bonus feature, an animated version of Wee Gillis, an adaptation of Munro Leaf’s story.
Scholastic Storybook Treasures is announcing numerous additions to their library in the coming months, as well as a number already available now. For more information on the variety of books/DVDs available, and to purchase, visit newkideo.com. Use code readalong for a 15% discount.
Isabooties -- funky, fashionable, and comfortable shoes for your pre-walker
My 12-month old son is standing and cruising. Over the past few weeks I have been in search of shoes that will be comfortable for him, easy to put on (but not easy for him to take off!), cute looking, machine washable, and durable. And I found them in Isabooties!
These adorable, lightweight shoes are perfect for babies, pre-walkers, and those starting to walk. IsaBooties are made from Ultrasuede, a super-soft and breathable fabric that makes them extremely comfortable on babies’ feet (especially in hot weather!). The soles are made from Toughtek, a durable, soft, flexible and non-skid fabric, making it the perfect choice for soft-soled baby and toddler shoes. All IsaBooties are 100% animal-product free, machine-washable and machine-dryable, and they won’t fade, shrink or crack.
There are some adorable new styles recently introduced that feature bold and bright colors with fun and funky designs. For girls, an adorable ballet criss-cross design, and for boys, racers and trekkers. There are also many adorable "classics" available as well as some great designs on sale! Take a look at the great Isabootie products.
Make a purchase and use code MWS for 15% off. This code expires July 31, 2008. Also know that Isabooties offers free gift wrapping on all orders and free shipping on orders over $75.00!
Two kids in, I'm so over the many first time Mom nuances and rules I once had. Call it what you will - experience having made me wiser, or experience having made me just plain lazy, I'm all about easy and disposable.
And as we're always losing something wherever we go - sippy cup, toy, my house keys (yes, that really happened recently. I found them in the fridge four days later) - I try and not have anything *too* important on my person at any given time.
So "Wash or Toss" cups are great for us. They aren't a great deal of money, they're quick and easy. You can find all sorts of brands making these types of cups. Lately we've been using a set from Playskool. They make a line that's exclusive to CVS - you can find them in-store or online, it's $4.49 for a 6-pack.
Incidentally, Playskool's line for CVS doesn't stop at sippy cups - they offer bottles, diapers, baby toys and teething rings and more. I keep a set of the Cottony Cloths in my car for whatever messy need may arise.
Edited to add: when you "toss" it out - be sure it gets tossed into your plastic recycling bin and not the trash can.
Those of you out west may be lucky enough to grab a free Yogurt Iced Blended beverage tomorrow afternoon. On June 24, from 4 p.m. – 5 p.m., Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf will be celebrating the launch of their new drink "Yogurt Iced Blended Power Hour".
Take a break and have a sip. All Las Vegas locations, all company-owned southern California, San Francisco and Arizona locations of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf will be participating. Enjoy!
Hold the phthalates please! With all the recent news about the dangers of BPA-laden plastic bottles, lead-coated toys, chemicals in skin-care products (and the list goes on…), it’s so hard to know which products are best for keeping babies safe and healthy.
We love Nubius Organics for offering a great selection of chemical-free products that take the worry out of baby care. From BPA-free baby bottles to adorable organic cotton clothes, toys and accessories, you’ll find eco-friendly alternatives for all of your baby needs. Great prices too!
New for Summer: Check out the new Speesees Organics line for the cutest clothes, and California Baby skin care for safe and effective chemical-free sunscreens & more. Shop now and save 15% with coupon code ECO15.
I always considered myself a swaddle master. Give me a square of cloth and woop, whoosh, swish... instant baby origami.
But this new one...he's an escape artist.
We've been using and utterly adoring the Baby Bonkie from JuJuBeane. It's so soft and silky. And here's the thing: a well wrapped baby sleeps longer and better than one who is constantly smacking himself in the face because he has escaped from his well-meaning-mommy origami wrap.
Our baby adores the silky soft Baby Bonkie. He smiles when he sees the distinctive Teddy Blue/Brown dot pattern. We love the blue and tan dots for our son but you can find a whole bunch of cute patterns and prints at the JuJuBean site. I'm pretty tired as I write this and guess why? Bonkie in the wash last night! Lucky for us it washes up beautifully, but according to my husband we need more of these things so we can all get some sleep - even when I have been slacking off on laundry day.
MWS members use coupon code MWS15 for 15% off your order. Orders over $99 also receive free shipping.
My 12-month old son is an extremely messy eater. Three times a day we go through a huge clean up process, sometimes ending up in the bath. So when I heard about Oopsy Daisy Rinse Free baby shampoo, I was so excited to try it. I was hoping it would make my life easier when it came to meal time... and it definitely does!
First of all, this product is SO easy to use. You just pump a little bit on to your baby's hair, rub/scrub it in like you do shampoo, and then towel dry it off. Comb, and you are all done. Hair is clean and smells great, and you never have to take your baby out of the high chair or use any water! Secondly, this product is made from all natural ingredients (plant-based) and contains no numbing agents or anesthetizers found in many “tear-free” shampoos. The pump (which dispenses a perfect foamy amount of cleanser) uses no harsh detergents or propellants to generate the foam.
This is a product that every mom can use for a child under two. Also available are a no-bath bubble bath, "regular" body wash and shampoo, moisturizer, and a great detangler product, all made with natural ingredients. Check out the full-line of products available.
Did I peak your interest? Take a look at this video of the shampoo in action, and if you decide to purchase, take an extra 15% off using code "tryme" in the voucher box at checkout.
What kind of friend would I be if I did not share this link to the toymaker with you all. It's a site filled with wonderful whimsical craft projects that you can print out and make with your kids. For free!
Panda Palaces, jumping frogs, all kinds of old fashioned fun and games, cards and whatnot, all from paper.
The author of the website also has a Toymaker book which I think is very worth buying if you like this sort of stuff.
All I can say is we will never be bored on a rainy day ever again!
C-panty is where medicine meets fashion. Sort of. They fall into the daunting category of "therapeutic garment". But they look pretty darn good/unscary for a medical device.
Post Partum undies are the subject of much joking and bashing. Granny pants jokes aside, choosing a pair of panties when you have just had a c-section is a serious decision. You want something that does not rub in the wrong place, and provides comfort to your tender healing tummy. Friends who had been through c-sections advised me to stock up on the disposible mesh panties at the hospital, because anything I bought would be less comfy and would end up in the trash too.
But then I found C-Panty. This clever pair of panties was invented by the wife of a surgeon, who had herself undergone a c-section. It looks like ordinary undies (not the granny type) but on the inside there is a silicon panel that sits against the incision site. Silicon keeps the wound moist and promotes healing. The undies are also knit to provide support/compression which results in a flatter scar. Best of all the C-Panty is comfortable to wear. It's not too high and not too low.
If you are scheduled for a C, do yourself a big favor and order some of these. It's an investment in your healing process and way way more comfortable that the disposibles!
I get a lot of shoe questions and one that I'm asked frequently: My baby has really wide feet. Which baby shoes are best for him? always gets the same answer. Bobux.
So, when I heard that Bobux was coming out with rubber soled shoes, I knew they had to be checked out.
The new I-Walk shoes by Bobux have a flexible rubber sole, a soft leather lining and the same soft outer that's featured on their baby shoes. There's also a cushioned insole for extra comfort. All the shoes (except for those adorable boots which pull on) close with a strip of velcro--perfect for the ever-changing ankle width, as well as the "I want to do it by myself" two-year-olds. (yeah, I have one of those.)
As for sizing, I'd order a size down from your child's usual size. Remember that these are the shoes that I love to recommend for kids with wide feet. Wes usually wears a size 8 or 9, but the size 8 Bobux sandals, which he asks to wear every morning are still a tiny bit too big for him.
Available in classic sandals, atheletic style (like those featured here), Mary Janes and Cowboy Boots, Bobux' latest can be year round classics.
Also available are the new I-Walk Jrs, whose soles are partnered--part rubber, part leather. The hightops are irresistible.
Use code G1507 for 15% off your order at BobuxUSA.
Today through Sunday, June 22nd use coupon code FRIEND8 to save 20% off of your purchase at Bare Escentuals online. You will also receive free shipping on orders of $75 or more!
So my oldest, who is 4.5, loves to read. No matter what time of night it is, we *have* to have story time for at least a half an hour each night. We had grown a little bored of the books he had - preschool-aged books that were a little more advanced than board book but still relatively simple.
A friend suggested we try the Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne. (All of you been there, done that Moms are probably laughing that I'm only just discovering these books.) Their reading level, according to Amazon, is grades 4-8. So normally this would never have entered my world yet - except I thought I'd try it out. Not for him to read, but for us to read to him of course. I wasn't sure how it would fly as there are only pictures every few pages.
In short, he loves it. He lays on his belly in bed and says, "Mom, I'm going to lay here and listen to the words, can you show me when you come to the pictures?" He closes his eyes and even asks questions along the way. The premise of the series is the adventures of a brother and sister who take trips in time via a "Magic Treehouse" they discovered in the woods. Each "trip" is full of adventure - but educational as each book is a different era and a mini history lesson of its own.
The overview of each "subject" is pretty generic but it's a nice intro to a variety of topics and I love that they encourage his imagination. I can't recommend them enough. Plus, I figure he'll be reading these again in a few years when he's reading on his own.
So where are you guys shopping for swim suits this season? I'm curious as I haven't seen as many I love this season.
I ordered one this year from Lands End (style is no longer available on their site) and I've been happy with it. They have a good selection and I like their mix and match option.
What about you? Leave a comment. Where can I get another cute suit for the summer?
Bright Starts Around We Go Activity Station from Kids II: Party in the house!
There was a huge party in my house yesterday-- due to the Bright Starts Around We Go Activity Station from Kids II (MSRP $89.99). Baby Allegra was safely standing in the seat, cooing and reaching for the toys on the table (she liked the stalk toys), while big bro Ben was standing on the other side, playing. He kept coming back to play with the duck in the boat- just pull the string and the motor makes the back wheel on the ship spin. My toddler gets bored very easily, but managed to be enthralled with this for hours.
The Bright Starts Around We Go Activity Station is designed for sibling interaction and boy did we get that!! My baby and toddler could actually do something together. I am very careful about using our on the floor playgym when my older child is around, he tends to jump right in or on them (and I have to make sure the baby is not in his path). With the Around We Go, I could relax a little, and let them
It's been awhile since I've given a new release update, so here it is - some of the latest and greatest on DVD for your kids:
Go, Diego, Go - Great Gorilla
Bob the Builder - Let's Build the Beach
I am so excited to share a new option for carrying your kids around! We are all so lucky to have so many carrier options these days. From pouch slings to mei tais and ring slings, it’s the age of baby carrying. It’s fabulous. Until Jr. starts packing on the lbs. 
My daughter would wear tutu’s everyday if she could! She loves twirling around and around in them like a ballerina until she gets dizzy and falls down laughing away. So, when I came across 
For the 7-12 crew, Brain Quest added 
Are you special? (All mommies stand up in your chairs and shout "yes!") Do you know someone else who is? (Our kids, right?) Maybe you know someone who doesn't even know how special they are and you'd love to show them (like teachers and grandmas). 
MD Moms 
And, new to this giveaway, we'll have runner-ups! 6 runner-ups will also receive the 
Whether by car, train, plane, boat, or even heading to a picnic, a parent of a tween is bound to hear a drone of “how much longer??? There's nothing to dooooo...” And after going through all the GORP, all the water bottles, all the chips, pretzels, 2 movies and an ipod full of travel sounds, you’re bound to need something new for the adventure. Before your next vacation, check out Yamodo! Good to Go!
In the last three and a half years since I had my first son, things have changed. Way back then, we didn't have so many options for babywearing and few people had heard of or used nursing cover ups. I was practically a cave woman with my blanket tossed over my shoulder as a makeshift cover up and my shoulders hunched from the constant slingless carrying of my poor elder son.
My kids, like most of yours, love books. Love reading. Love stories. They amaze me with the connections they make to the real world, and how the stories truly come to life in their minds.
My 12-month old son is standing and cruising. Over the past few weeks I have been in search of shoes that will be comfortable for him, easy to put on (but not easy for him to take off!), cute looking, machine washable, and durable. And I found them in 
I always considered myself a swaddle master. Give me a square of cloth and woop, whoosh, swish... instant baby origami. 
My 12-month old son is an extremely messy eater. Three times a day we go through a huge clean up process, sometimes ending up in the bath. So when I heard about 
What kind of friend would I be if I did not share this link to 
I get a lot of shoe questions and one that I'm asked frequently: My baby has really wide feet. Which baby shoes are best for him? always gets the same answer. Bobux.
